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Health & Medicine

The Museum's collections of medical science artifacts represent nearly all aspects of health and medical practice. Highlights include early X-ray apparatuses, such as one of Wilhelm Roentgen's tubes, penicillin mold from Alexander Fleming’s experiments, and Jonas Salk's original polio vaccine. More recent acquisitions include the first artificial heart implanted in a human, the earliest genetically engineered drugs, and materials related to David, the "Bubble Boy." Other artifacts range from artificial limbs and implant devices to bloodletting and dental instruments, beauty products, and veterinary equipment. The contents of a medieval apothecary shop and an 1890s drugstore form part of the collections, along with patent and alternative medicines. The collections also document the many differing perspectives on health and medical issues, from patients, family members, doctors, nurses, medical students, and out-of-the-mainstream health practitioners.

A coal miner made this artificial lower limb some time before 1977, when the museum acquired it. He used available materials, including a metal bucket for a socket, nails, chain and chicken wire for securing the parts, and a leather boot.

Drene shampoo was introduced by Procter & Gamble of Cincinnati, Ohio, in the mid-1930s. It was the first modern synthetic (no soap) shampoo and it marked the company’s entrance into the hair care business. In 1946 and 1947 Procter & Gamble sponsored a variety radio program called Drene Time which featured singing and comedy acts, including the Bickersons, played by Don Ameche and Francis Lanford. Procter & Gamble produced Drene in the United States until the 1970s.

This bottle, with its bright green and purple label, had a new formula that "silkened the hair." It was produced in the early to mid-1950s.

Farrah Fawcett Shampoo was produced by Faberge, Inc. of Hollywood, Calif., from the late 1970s through the mid-1980s. Under the leadership of George Barrie (1964-1984), the company launched many cosmetic products and deployed celebrities, including Joe Namath, Roger Moore, and Muhammad Ali, to endorse them.

Capitalizing on the enormous popularity of Farrah Fawcett and her famous blond tresses during the 1970s, this shampoo was part of an entire line of Farrah Fawcett hair care products. The efficacy of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and herbs on hair is still debated. This particular bottle was likely produced between 1977 and 1979.

This blown and molded bottle has a label which reads AQ VERONIC VINO in black text, with the first initial of each word in red. The bottle would have contained Aqua Veronicæ Vino, or water of veronica with wine. The herb Veronica beccabunga (also known as Brooklime or European speedwell) was used in this solution as a bitter aromatic or mild stimulant.

This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a narrow neck and a flared lip. The Roman numeral V has been etched into the shoulder of the jar. The baked white enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with yellow and red flowers. A yellow crown sits atop the shield. The jar’s label reads BALS ARCÆ. This jar would have contained balsam of arcæus which was used as a dressing for wounds.